TO INFLICT: I drew a square in the sand, representing the
Earth, with a triangle at each corner, representing the Four
Punishments. "The first is for you", I said. It is Lord
Resentment, Crusher of Aspirations. For you, who have always
denied me my own. "The second is for mother". It is the Lady
of Sad Confusion, Who Scowls When She Misunderstands. "The
third is for me". It is Burrowing Creature With Horns, also
called Laughing in the Dark. A strange punishment, designed
for infidels. "The fourth is backup", I said, and blushed.
You kissed me then, and it rained for three years.

TO FORGIVE: After the rain, the newborn hatched and dug
their way out of the damp Earth. The world was beautiful
with their laughter, and butterflies and kittens and flowers
were provided for each Citizen, free of charge. Mother hid
in her box, and spat at the giggling children who came her
way. We sat on a rock, and you made me a crown of petals. In
payment, I turned us both into water birds using my secret
magic, and we flew away.